boot problem

Gennaver, MSN · May 28, 2007

I know this is kind of off the subject, but I am trying to break in my boots a bit before I got to COT, and my right boot is putting a lot of pressure on my inside ankle when I walk. Any advice? The left boot is just fine, it is just the one spot on the one boot.

Hello,

Remember that we do not break in shoes, we break our feet!

If there is a problem with "a" boot try to contact the manufacturer or store and tell them there is a defect, (get another one).

However, since your left boot is okay, I'd say to NOT return that one but to ask for another right one. If you must return the entire pair in exchange, do so only after fit testing the new one.

It could be that someone broke or bent the 'last' shape of the right boot when they tried it on.

Good luck.

At the very least, or possibly first, I'd go to the cobbler and ask what they can do. They may just glue a soft leather piece inside or may even be able to "break" the boot back into shape.

So, the important thing is, "we never break in boots" we break our feet! If the shoe doesn't fit right away, it is not the right shoe.

Good luck,

Gen

allnurses Guide · May 28, 2007

I know this is kind of off the subject, but I am trying to break in my boots a bit before I got to COT, and my right boot is putting a lot of pressure on my inside ankle when I walk. Any advice? The left boot is just fine, it is just the one spot on the one boot.

Are they all leather boots or did you get the ones that are like tennis shoes?

If they are leather you can try this, (you will possibly need more than 24hrs) make sure they are no obvious defects etc, the boots are the right size.....

Now assuming all that is okay get dressed, put on your leather boots run your bathtub full of water, as warm as you can stand, up past your ankles then stand in the water with your boots on until they are completely soaked, wear your boots until they are completely dry even if that means wearing them to sleep in.

Now if they are the tennis shoe type a lot of people seem to have them pinch at the ankles and what they do is skip lacing the holes nearest where it pinches. It will give you a little more room right at that point (you can try that on any kind of boot also).

One more thing when you go to uniform shop spring for the extra thick socks. They will protect your feet while your boots are getting broke in, the last pair I bought were around $13 a pair but they are well worth it.

Good Luck!

smarttyone · May 28, 2007

I actually already did the wet boot thing, someone else told me about that. They are the all leather boots. I did try two pairs of socks at one point also, but that part of my ankle was already sore. I will keep working with them. I am sure it will get better with more breaking in. Thanks for the advice and I will look for the extra thick socks.

Gennaver, MSN · May 30, 2007

I actually already did the wet boot thing, someone else told me about that. They are the all leather boots. I did try two pairs of socks at one point also, but that part of my ankle was already sore. I will keep working with them. I am sure it will get better with more breaking in. Thanks for the advice and I will look for the extra thick socks.

Hi,

Yeah, either the boot will break in or you'll require ankle surgery, best wishes that the boot breaks first!

Gen

Cherish · May 30, 2007

When I was in basic training I had the same problem with my right boot (this foot is slightly bigger than the other). It was rubbing against my ankle and heel. I used moleskin (if you ruck this will become your best friend). The best thing you can do is just ride it out until you can buy your own boots. Are you in the Army because now you can wear the desert boots (wayyy more comfortable then the black ones) with your ACU's. Also if you were issued two boots every other day you should switch them so you break them in at the same time.

Oops nevermind your in COT so that's AF right, guess they still wear black boots. Try changing the insoles in the boots and wearing moleskin in the areas that the boots are rubbing your feet. When you wear the moleskin you should wear the socks that kinda feel like pantyhose and then the thick socks on top of that. I don't know what there called in the airforce but these were black socks that you wear with your class A's they were very soft, thin and silklike feel, sort of like TED hoses but not tight! Then put the thick socks over them. I always used this method when we did ruck marches which was atleast once a month for SGT time training. If that doesn't help you may have to ride them out till training is over then get some Corcoran's or Altama's those were the most comfortable boots for me.

http://www.corcoranandmatterhorn.com/Category.asp?CategoryID=32

http://www.altama.com/